I have run into a problem getting English menus in the cafes and restaurants in the Plateau and in eastern areas of Montreal that are more Francophone friendly. However, since I have learned how to read French (at least menu words), it doesn't matter. Now and then I see a French menu word I don't know, I ask and someone tells me what it is in English.
Don't order American style pancakes in Montreal unless you go to Beauty's, or Reubens downtown, which both use a buttermilk batter. L'Avenue also passable but not as good with pancakes. There are some other places trying to make an American pancake using crepe batter. An American pancake is made with buttermilk batter and a crepe is made with crepe batter (which is lighter) and the next dumbass who tries to make me a pancake with crepe batter is going to be eating that shit himself or giving it to his dogs. I really hate when they think it's an easy swap to make one for the other, they are not the same.
Actually though I have become very fond of Montreal crepes, when made as such and not as American pancakes. Also, be aware that the Montreal bagel is different than the NY style bagel and much better tasting, but it must be consumed immediately after it is cooked. Lower fat content means it gets stale/crusty quicker.
Downtown and in Crescent Street areas no problem getting English menus, but occasionally I do see some minor translation failures.
